Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued a statement following the court’s decision denying a stay in the Illinois River Watershed lawsuit.

The ruling affects poultry farmers across eastern Oklahoma, many of whom rely on poultry production as their primary livelihood.

“I share in the disappointment of Oklahoma poultry farmers and The Poultry Federation following the court’s decision to deny a full stay in the Illinois River Watershed case. “Last week, Attorney General Gentner Drummond told poultry farmers in Adair County that he was not opposed to a stay, though he ultimately opposed it in court.

“During that meeting, I asked the Attorney General whether the same settlement agreement reached with George’s would be offered to the other poultry producers.

“He indicated that it would, which I hope signals a path toward resolving this lawsuit and providing some relief for the hundreds of farm families caught in the middle.

“I appreciate the Attorney General’s willingness to meet with our community, hear concerns firsthand and visit a poultry operation to better understand today’s farming practices.

“The uncertainty surrounding this lawsuit continues to weigh heavily on farm families who depend on poultry production for their livelihoods.

“If integrators are forced to pull out of Oklahoma, the economic consequences would extend well beyond individual farms, impacting local jobs, county governments and school districts.

“My hope remains that state leaders and all parties involved can work toward a reasonable path forward that protects our natural resources while also preserving the family farms that are crucial to eastern Oklahoma.”